The purpose of a home’s exterior is to keep the structure protected and the contents inside safe, all while adding curb appeal to the house. There are several building materials homeowners can choose to outfit their homes, each offering unique advantages. One building material that’s been used on houses for centuries is stucco. This siding material has proven to be a long-lasting and durable option, which is why it has continued to be a popular choice among builders and homeowners. But how long does stucco last?
As a leading provider of quality-made building materials with over 70 years of experience, Garden State Brickface and Siding specializes in stucco installation and repair. Here, we detail how long you can expect stucco siding to last and what factors help determine its longevity.
With roots dating back to ancient Greece, stucco has been used to build some of the longest-standing structures still around to this day. It’s a cement-type mixture made of cement, lime, sand, and water. The thin finish is applied to the outermost layer of residential and commercial properties. Stucco siding can be customized to the exact preferences of the customer.
One of the advantages that make stucco siding so admired is how well it stands up to the test of time. Stucco can last well over 50 years and even reach a lifespan of 80 years, making it one of the longest-lasting building materials. It’s able to do this because of its ability to expand and contract with the weather, allowing it to sustain damage better. Stucco siding is also resistant to rot, mold, and mildew.
The exact amount of time stucco siding will maintain its integrity and appeal is dependent on multiple factors, including:
While stucco siding requires very minimal upkeep compared to other building materials, some maintenance is still necessary. Failing to properly preserve your stucco siding can result in a significant decrease in life expectancy. Successfully maintaining your stucco siding involves periodically washing it to remove any dirt or dust build-up. Additionally, homeowners should routinely inspect their siding, checking for cracks, bubbles, and peeling.
Cracks and holes in stucco siding are not uncommon. While these unsightly imperfections may just be cosmetic issues, they can also be the result of a more serious underlying issue. To ensure your stucco siding reaches its maximum lifespan, it’s important to have cracks and holes checked out by experienced specialists and go ahead with any repairs that might be needed.
No matter what siding material you choose to protect the exterior of your home, proper installation is imperative. To get the most out of their stucco siding, homeowners would be wise to partner with an experienced contractor who understands the importance of correct installation and application. When stucco siding isn’t properly installed, homeowners can expect to run into a host of unwanted scenarios, including replacement long before the normal expiration date of stucco.
While the longevity of stucco makes it a very appealing siding material, it’s not the only advantage. Other reasons why homeowners and builders choose stucco siding include:
Fire is one of several elements that stucco siding is superior at keeping away from structures. From just a 1-inch coating of stucco, homeowners are provided a one-hour firewall rating. This means should a fire ever occur outside of the home, it would take at least one hour for the fire to spread from one side of the wall to the other.
Stucco can be applied to just about any surface, including wood and brick, making it extremely versatile. Furthermore, no other aiding material offers homeowners the design flexibility of stucco siding. It can be smooth, coarse, or even applied to display unique designs to add architectural details.
Stucco siding is an incredible building material that can offer building owners a wide array of useful benefits. Garden State Brickface and Siding is pleased to offer clients throughout central and northern New Jersey a full spectrum of stucco services, including installation and repairs, along with painting and maintenance.
To help homeowners undergo the home improvement projects they desire, Garden State Brickface and Siding offers flexible financing options through GreenSky. For more information regarding the longevity of stucco siding or to learn more about our advanced offerings, contact us today at Garden State Brickface and Siding.
